'My motives were never improper'

By Caroline Davies

12:00AM GMT 14 Mar 2003

Following an hour-long consultation with his solicitor, Mr Burrell released a statement repeating the report's finding that he had offered to discuss the case with the Royal Family before the start of his trial.

Mr Burrell, who declined to be interviewed for the inquiry, stressed that he had asked for Princes Charles and William to give evidence "because of their knowledge of relevant events and never through an improper motive".

The statement, read by his solicitor, Andrew Shaw, said: "The report makes it clear that, following his arrest and before his trial, Mr Burrell had offered to discuss his case on an unrestricted basis with the Royal Family. Sadly, and for reasons set out in the report, that did not happen.

"The report also makes it clear that the approach taken by Mr Burrell was consistent throughout."

The statement added that the prosecution case in the Burrell trial had been "heavily challenged" and many witnesses of "impeccable standing" had yet to give evidence when it collapsed.